EVENTS: Messalonskee girls soccer plans 9th annual Girls Youth Soccer Mentoring Day

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Local girls participate in last year’s ShineOn Saturday. The 9th annual event connects youth girls with Messalonskee girls soccer players for a fun day of skills, games and positive youth mentoring. ShineOn Saturday is held annually to honor and remember former Eagle midfielder and youth mentor Cassidy Charette. The event is free to all interested girls, Pre-K to Grade 5, on Saturday, September 28, from noon to 2 p.m., at the Messalonskee High School Turf Field, in Oakland. To pre-register, visit shineoncass.org. (contributed photo)

by Monica Charette

(contributed photo)

Cassidy Charette (contributed photo)

Messalonskee High School Girls Soccer and the ShineOnCass Foundation will host its 9th annual girls’ youth mentoring day “ShineOn Saturday”, September 28, from noon to 2 p.m., on the Messalonskee High School Turf Field, in Oakland. The event is held to honor former Messalonskee soccer player and youth mentor Cassidy Charette, who died in a hayride accident October 11, 2014.

Area girls, ages pre-kindergarten to fifth grade, are invited to attend this free event. Soccer skills are not required. In addition to participating in skill building and fun field games, attendees will receive an autographed team poster and a ShineOnCass wristband that earns them Cassidy’s favorite candy, Skittles, at home games and recognition at the Lady Eagles’ Homecoming game. Healthy snacks will be provided at the event.

To assist in planning, please pre-register at shineoncass.org. Walk-ins are welcome.

The ShineOnCass Foundation was created to educate, inspire and empower youth to shine their own light through kindness and volunteer charitable activities. For more information about the ShineOn Saturday event or the Foundation, visit shineoncass.org or email shineoncass@gmail.com.

(contributed photo)

(contributed photo)

Palermo Consolidated School receives American Heart Association grant for health resources

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For the second year in a row, the American Heart Association’s school-based youth programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™, has awarded Palermo Consolidated School a grant to support health resources. This year, the school received $2,199 for a Hands-on Healthy Kitchen/Cooking Mobile Unit. Over the past two years, the Association has provided the school with $4,699 in grants to help enrich the lives of their students and staff. The annual grant program supports schools by funding resources to extend school wellness programs.

“PE/health teacher Lisa Sturgis and the whole Palermo School community came out for a really fun after-school Kids Heart Challenge event with students, staff, and parents to raise awareness of heart disease, learn Hands-Only CPR, and have a good time. The fact they were awarded an American Heart Association grant was icing on the cake,” said Gary Urey, the Association’s Director of School Engagement, Maine.

The American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all, is helping educators make whole-body wellness a priority by bringing more resources to school campuses. Grant recipients are now able to expand their schools’ wellness offerings with additions such as physical activity equipment, water bottle filling stations and educator training opportunities on their campuses. The application process was open to all schools who participated in the school-based programs in the 2023-2024 school year.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, only 20 percent of kids get enough activity to meet physical activity recommendations.

Both the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are rooted in proven science, which has shown that kids who are regularly active have a better chance of a healthy adulthood.

In addition to physical health, the benefits of physical activity for children include improved grades, school attendance and classroom behavior. Physical activity can also help kids feel better, improve mental health, build self-esteem and decrease and prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Funds raised by Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge participants support the American Heart Association’s scientific research and outreach programs, paving the way for improved health outcomes for healthier communities.

Schools are encouraged to register now for 2024-2025 school year. The program provides grant funding twice a year, mid-school year and year end, to provide resources in real time to students. The application for the next round of grants is December 15th if the school completes the Kids Heart Challenge by December. If not, they can apply for the second round of grants by May 31st if their school is participating in the program during the second half of the school year.

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s kid’s initiatives, or to make a donation, please visit www.heart.org/kids. To find out how to get your school involved, contact Gary Urey, the Association’s School Engagement Director for Maine, at Gary.Urey@heart.org.

Whatever happened to Linda, Gloria, George or Peter?

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Olivia and Liam are once again America’s most popular baby names, with 2023 being the fifth consecutive year that parents have chosen the monikers for their little ones. Also for the fifth consecutive year, Noah took the second slot for boys, and Emma for girls. Only one new name appeared in the Top 10 lists this year, with Mateo joining the boys for the first time.

Here are the top 10 boys’ and girls’ names for 2023:

Boys: 1. Liam, 2. Noah, 3. Oliver, 4. James, 5. Elijah, 6. Mateo, 7. Theodore, 8. Henry, 9. Lucas, 10. William.

Girls: 1. Olivia, 2. Emma, 3. Charlotte, 4. Amelia, 5. Sophia, 6. Mia, 7. Isabella, 8. Ava, 9. Evelyn, 10. Luna.

Every year, Social Security celebrates Mother’s Day by announcing the ,1000 most popular baby names. You can view the full list at www.ssa.gov/babynames, and see how popular your name was the year you were born and where it’s ranked now.

“To all the incredible moms in our lives. Your love, strength, and selflessness motivate us all, and we thank you for everything you do,” said Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley. “Know that Social Security is here to help you continue to provide for your families – by securing a Social Security number for your child, filing for benefits for yourself or your family members, and so much more. We will never stop working for you.”

Social Security’s programs are particularly important for women, who made up 55 percent of adult Social Security beneficiaries in 2023. Women typically have longer life expectancies than men and earn less income over their lifetime due to the combined impact of the gender wage gap, caregiving responsibilities, overrepresentation in low-paid jobs, and more. Social Security also provides critical benefits to 2.6 million children, including nearly one million low-income children with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits. People can visit www.ssa.gov to learn more about how Social Security’s expanded digital services make it easier than ever for women and children to access critical benefits and services.

What’s in a Name?

Parents apply for their child’s Social Security card when they are born, making the agency America’s top source for baby names. The agency began compiling the baby names list in 1997, with names dating back to 1880. Each year, the list reveals the effect of pop culture on naming trends.

It’s clear that social media stars had a major influence on new parents in 2023. Powerful names also proved very attractive to parents in 2023. Emryn made her debut in the Top 1,000 baby names after moving up 1,287 spots – Ryn translates to “ruler,” so it is no shock to see Emryn becoming a leader amongst the girls. Meanwhile Chozen, the second fastest rising boy’s name, fought up to number 813 in 2023. Here are the top five fastest rising boys’ and girls’ names in 2023:

Boys: 1. Izael, 2. Chozen, 3. Eiden, 4. Cassian, 5. Kyren.

Girls: 1. Kaeli, 2. Alitzel, 3. Emryn, 4. Adhara, 5. Azari.

WATERVILLE: National Night Out Festival draws large turnout to South End

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Scott McAadoo helping as cook/food tent crew. (Photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

On August 6, 2024, The South End Neighborhood Association (SENA) held its 18th Annual South End National Night Out Festival. This event is held to celebrate community and partnerships within Waterville’s South End neighborhood. This year included a free barbecue, live music, a magician, youth activities, giveaways, and so much fun. Throughout the year, SENA collaborates with local businesses and community partners on projects and programs to enhance Waterville’s South End Neighborhood.

Aerial view looking over the park.(Photo by Galen Neal, Central Maine Photography)

Vassalboro school supplies drive another success

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From left to right, Ira Michaud (VCS Principal), Jessica, Lisa and Donald Breton, Tabitha Brewer (VCS Assistant Principal). (contributed photo)

The 6th annual School Supplies Drive By Drop Off, held on August 24, to support the children who attend the Vassalboro Community School, was another huge success. The organizers thank Walmart, Huhtamaki, Caswell’s Liquidation, Staples and Marden’s for their donations, as well as all the folks who stopped by to make a donation towards the school supplies drive and those who made cash donations.

LCHA’s preservation party to celebrate local heritage

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LCHA’s annual Preservation Party is held rain or shine on the grounds of the Pownalborough Court House, in Dresden. All are invited to join in the fun for a purpose. (photo by Bob Bond)

Lincoln County can be justly proud of the people who have contributed to the rich and colorful history of this region. Evidence of this pride can be found in local historical societies like Lincoln County Historical Association (LCHA), whose members are passionate about maintaining important buildings and educating the public about our unique heritage.

Each year LCHA seeks to share stories of the people and places from our past in ways that are accessible and fun.The annual Preservation Party at the Pownalborough Court House in Dresden is one such opportunity in which we celebrate our roots while we raise funds for education and for preservation of the artifacts and buildings that we hold dear.

All are welcome to join the festivities on Sunday, September 8, for live music, a catered buffet dinner, an auction of fabulous cakes and intriguing experiences, and a raffle of valuable gift cards. This party promises to be a lively, fun, and memorable way to be part of a celebration of local heritage.

Tickets are available online at lincolncountyhistory.org. Please direct any questions to Shannon Gilmore, Executive Director, at lchamaine1954@gmail.com or 207-882-6817.

Window Dressers create affordable window inserts

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Volunteers hard at work assembling insulated window inserts. (photo by Roberta Barnes)

by Roberta Barnes

Our nights becoming chilly is a reminder to begin preparing for winter.

One of the first places to focus on is your windows.

While replacement energy efficient windows might not fit into your budget, insulating window inserts are affordable and assembling them with others can be enjoyable.

Last November I was one of the people who, after having windows measured by volunteers from WindowDressers, joined others like me, and volunteers, from China, Vassalboro, Windsor and Albion at the Vassalboro Mill to assemble insulating window inserts.

Together we securely assembled wooden frames, covered each side of the frame with strong clear plastic, and added foam edges.

The strong plastic securely sealed on all sides of the frame forms the pocket of insulating air that can help to keep your home warm.

While completing each insulating window insert requires the correct equipment, materials, instruction, and time, the atmosphere was so enjoyable that people volunteered for extra shifts.

This year the location in Vassalboro has changed and there is also a location in Waterville which can be seen on the WindowDressers website.

Today you can either request window inserts by filling out the form online on the website https://windowdressers.org/ or sign up to volunteer.

In Maine you can also call (207) 596-3073. The deadline for signing up for inserts is September 15, 2024.

The cost for these insulting window inserts is kept affordable by the donations and volunteers helping to assemble the inserts.

You can estimate the cost of the inserts on the windowdressers.org website. There is also a low or no-pay Special Rate Program where you pay what you can afford.

You can discuss paying for your inserts with the person or people from WindowDressers when they come out to measure the windows.

There may be a limit of 10 inserts for this Special Rate Program.

The deadline for signing up to receive the window inserts for this winter 2024/2025 is September 15, 2024.

It is best if you go online today at https://windowdressers.org/, or call (207) 596-3073. Doing this can help you keep the chilly air outside your windows and enjoy being one of the people assembling the inserts in a friendly upbeat atmosphere.

(photo by Roberta Barnes)

EVENTS: Vassalboro Days Sunday at the Methodist Church

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Rory and Terra Pillow with their children and Buzz Crandall enjoying some kids’ activities at the Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC). Supervised children’s activities will be among the offerings at VUMC during Vassalboro Days on Sunday, September 8, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. (contributed photo)

The Vassalboro United Methodist Church (VUMC) is holding a special worship service during Vassalboro Days, on Sunday, September 8, at 10 a.m. when the history of their church will be shared.

“We would like to see people attend who were part of the congregation when our church was built in 1988,” said Pastor Karen Merrill. “We want to gather memories from those folks as well as share some of what we know.”

The Sunday service will take place 10 – 11 a.m., followed by food, friendship and fun. The public is welcome to come for the service and any or all of the following. A breakfast brunch will be served in the fellowship hall from 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m.; an ice cream sundae bar will be open from 1 – 2 p.m., and supervised childrens’ activities will be set-up from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. There is no charge but donations are gratefully accepted.

VUMC was built in 1988 and serves as a community center for people of Vassalboro and surrounding towns who come to attend Sunday services, special programs, concerts, public suppers and more. VUMC members provide outreach through participation in the local fuel fund, food pantry, senior programs, Scouting, kids’ scholarships to Camp Mechuwana and by delivering welcome baskets to new residents. VUMC also organizes and publishes a community calendar each year, and delivers them door to door throughout town.

All are welcome to VUMC every Sunday for the worship service, at 10 a.m., at 614 Main Street. Public suppers take place in the church fellowship hall May through October, every third Saturday 4:30 – 6 p.m. Senior public luncheons for 55+ year olds are held in collaboration with the Vassalboro Recreation Department every second Wednesday 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

FMI visit Vassalboro United Methodist Church on Facebook, phone Pastor Karen Merrill at (207) 873-5564 or email karenmerrill62@gmail.com. FMI about other activities at other locations during Vassalboro Days on September 7 – 8 contact Samantha Lessard at (207) 314-4940 or samanthalessard@yahoo.com.

Central Maine ATV Glow Ride illuminates the night with community spirit

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ATVs parade down Main St., in Waterville. (photo by Mike Guarino)

by Mike Guarino

The Central Maine ATV Club hosted its highly anticipated ATV Glow Ride, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, with approximately 300 machines and over 1,000 participants for a night of community, fun, and charity.

Melanie Dickinson, and her dog, are ready to roll. (photo by Mike Guarino)

The event kicked off at the Best Western. The parade of brightly lit ATVs made its way through Waterville’s Main Street, continued up Front Street, College Ave, and eventually over to North Street.  From there, riders continued their journey through the Fairfield trail system towards Norridgewock before looping back onto the scenic Kennebec Valley Rail trail, in Fairfield, and parts of Oakland.  The ride culminated back in Waterville, completing an unforgettable night of camaraderie and celebration.

The event was a true testament to the power of community partnerships. The Central Maine ATV Club joined forces with the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce to help organize and promote the Glow Ride.  In addition, a marketing grant was secured from the Kennebec Valley Tourism Council, playing a vital role in attracting riders from throughout Maine and a variety of New England states.

In addition to providing an evening of entertainment and community spirit, the Glow Ride also served a charitable purpose. Proceeds from the event were split between the Club and the Fairfield Food Pantry, supporting their mission to provide essential services to local families in need. “The Glow Ride is more than just a parade of ATVs; it’s a celebration of our community coming together for a great cause,” said Kevin Kitchin, President of the Central Maine ATV Club.

“We are thrilled with the turnout and the incredible energy that everyone brought to the Glow Ride this year,” Kitchin added.  “This event showcases the family fun and excitement of ATV riding and highlights the strong sense of community we have here in Central Maine. We are grateful to our partners, the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, and the Kennebec Valley Tourism Council, for their support in making this event a reality.”

The Central Maine ATV Club is dedicated to promoting safe and responsible ATV riding while fostering a strong sense of community among riders in Central Maine. The club organizes events and rides throughout the year, with a focus on community engagement, trail stewardship, and charitable giving.

Windsor benefit concert

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Photo by Roberta Barnes

by Roberta Barnes

When was the last time you enjoyed a live concert put on by experienced, highly-skilled musicians and singers for a worthy cause?

Friday evening, August 16, a concert upstairs in the Windsor Town Hall was a musical tribute paid to the life and music of Nat King Cole. The enjoyable music the Downeast Brass Quintet played is part of this country’s musical history.

This concert, with superb music and narrations on the life of Nat King Cole, born in 1919, was free. The donations jar on the table near the entrance was for the Maine Lung Association. The musicians donated their time and talents. This was an excellent way to celebrate the American Lung Association’s 120th anniversary.

Nat King Cole (Nathaniel Adams Cole) the American singer, jazz pianist, and actor who made television history in 1956, unfortunately, was a smoker. In 1965 at the height of his stardom, when he was only 45 years old, lung cancer ended his life.

The concert began at 7 p.m., but musicians were present doing sound checks around 6 p.m. Andy Foster, on trumpet and sang, Peter Suart, on trumpet, Dwight Tibbetts, on trumpet and piano, Rick Gadway, on trumpet, Loren Fields, on French Horn and sang. Michael Peterson, on trombone, Erica Scarano, on tuba, Andrea Buckland, on banjo and guitar, Richard LaChance, on percussion, and Dakota Ryder, who sang, made up the group of skilled and experienced musicians.

The concert began with background piano music while Marianne Tibbets gave the first of several short narrations on the life and career of Cole. She also managed the slides appearing on a large screen that related to the narrations she gave.

One of the first songs in the concert, Straighten up and Fly Right, written by Nat King Cole and Irving Mills, became part of the soundtrack in a 1943 movie and was the first of vocal hits for the King Cole Trio.

Each narration was followed by songs selected from Cole’s hits. Most of those attending could feel their body naturally moving, if only a hand or foot, with rhythm of the music that filled the town hall. Each song was followed with smiles, clapping by those attending, and at the end of the two-hour concert a standing ovation.

At some time you no doubt have heard the phrase “Route 66”. One of the songs played was, Get Your Kicks on Rte. 66, which became the iconic American road song first recorded in 1946.

When Tibbetts was explaining that in the 1950s Cole emerged as a popular solo performer she introduced Ron Marlowe, who lives in Maine. He shared that in 1950 he happened to be in the same building where Cole was practicing. Cole came to the floor where he was and gave him and another boy musical tips. On the table near the door was a photograph of Ron and another boy standing on either side of Cole.

One of the songs in the concert was Cole’s version of Mona Lisa, released in 1950. In the middle of this selection Ryder and another woman did a dance routine to the musical beat. This produced extra smiles and clapping from those attending.

The concert ended with a selection of Cole’s music different than his jazz. The song, Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer, was Cole’s final top ten hit.

Following the standing ovation at the end of the concert everyone enjoyed refreshments provided by Windsor’s Ladies Aid. They were a varied selection of snack foods and beverages designed to fit different people’s diet restrictions.

The amazing music of the evening gave such positive energy that no one was in a hurry to leave.